Review by JD on September 19, 2008.

I remember an old saying from somewhere I had heard, which went something like ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’. Bearing in mind those words, this album does not convey that meaning.

Italy’s Tystnaden (their bio says that their name means something like ‘quiet’ in Swedish) is almost a honest to God-carbon copy of the mighty Nightwish...but it is actuality a sad mirroring of such a interesting band. The band seems more than just competent in how they play their music and do the arranging as well, but it all is too close to a copy of the aforementioned band they have emulated to actually tell. It is apparent that they have not found their own musical voice quite yet.

Vocally, Singer Lara De Luca voice does not possess the powerful and complex range that Nightwish’s Annette Olzon does. Lara’s voice possesses a very sweet tone... but falls short in both range and power. May times I was waiting for Lara’s voice to burst through and knock me over throughout playing the album... and each time I was deeply disappointed.

The other area that troubles me is that the whole album sees to lack a certain sort of spark... energy that hooks the listener into every note breathed, but that never really comes to fruition. In our eye sounds nice and shows off a group that can play their instruments better than most... but as a whole, it lacks that feel of electricity... the kind that makes you get goosebumps once you hear it..

Putting the album in perspective, Tystnaden has it moments on certain songs and shows a band in transition... but over all I would have to say ‘no’. If the continue growing and find their little niche and break the sound-alike thing... they will be Mega-huge!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 6
Atmosphere: 4
Production: 6
Originality: 4
Overall: 5

Rating: 5